Luminescent Hybrid Material Based on the Europium(III)–β‐Diketone Complex Doped with Smectite

Lanthanide‐containing organic–inorganic hybrid materials exhibit considerable potential for applications in optical devices. In this study, efficient luminescent hybrid materials are prepared by employing a straightforward doping method to mix the Eu(tta)3phen complex (tta = 2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetone, phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) with a synthetic clay compound of hectorite (smectite). The comprehensive photophysical properties of dispersion solution containing the Eu(tta)3phen/smectite hybrid material are systematically investigated via ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectroscopy, luminescence spectra, luminescence lifetimes, and Judd–Ofelt analysis. The emission properties of the Eu(tta)3phen are enhanced by its interaction with smectite. Furthermore, the interaction suppressed the molecular vibration of Eu(tta)3phen, resulting in elevated luminescence intensity and quantum efficiency. Moreover, a highly luminescent and transparent polymeric film is prepared by incorporating Eu(tta)3phen/smectite hybrid material into a polymer (PMMA) matrix. With the addition of the smectite compound, the transparency and surface smoothness of the polymeric film are improved. Consistent with the solution state, smectite enhanced the luminescence intensity of Eu(tta)3phen in the film state. This strategy presents a novel opportunity for high‐luminescence imaging devices.